"Hyung, I said I would do it?".
Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the final of the 2024-2025 season UEFA Europa League held at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korean time).
With this victory, Tottenham lifted a trophy for the first time in 17 years since the 2008 League Cup, breaking their trophy drought. At the same time, Son Heung-min also succeeded in winning a major trophy with his team for the first time in 15 years since his professional debut.
This final was not just a victory but a crucial match for the qualification to the UEFA Champions League next season. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League this season, Tottenham achieved a dramatic turnaround, while Manchester United had to bow their heads in the final, which had more than $100 million (about 186 billion won) in revenue at stake.
Tottenham took the lead with the winning goal from Brennan Johnson in the 41st minute of the first half, and then endured Manchester United's fierce attacks until the end. Notably, in the second half, Micky van de Ven made a crucial defensive play on the goal line to save the team.
In the 67th minute, captain Son Heung-min was substituted for Richarlison and entered the field. Son actively participated in the counterattack with proactive pressure and lively movement from the front, and in the 81st minute, he made a shooting opportunity himself.
After the final whistle, Son Heung-min draped himself in a Korean flag and lifted the trophy high. Amid the cheers of his teammates, he raised the final trophy from the center, completing the long-awaited victory scene of 'Captain Son.'
The official UEFA Europa League channel did not miss this scene. UEFA reported, "It was an incredible sight. Tottenham players sang and danced with fans, reveling in joy," and noted, "Son Heung-min approached the stands again to perform a solo celebration, receiving a rousing applause from the packed stadium. The player who deserved to enjoy this moment the most was indeed this Korean forward."
After the match, Son Heung-min gave an interview to the broadcaster TNT Sports. The panel included Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand and Tottenham legend Gareth Bale. Son Heung-min stated, "I feel amazing right now. Tottenham hasn't lifted a trophy for 17 years. It has taken so long, and today is that day. I think I can finally say that I am a legend of this club. Just today! I want to enjoy this moment."
He further remarked, "It really feels like a dream. This has been the moment I've always dreamed of, and today that dream has come true. I'm incredibly happy. I feel like the happiest person in the world right now."
He expressed his joy by saying, "I am really proud. I am so proud to be Korean, and even though it’s 4 a.m., I am truly grateful to the fans who have been cheering madly. I dedicate this trophy to them. It belongs to all of us."
This was not the end. Having roared joyfully offline, Son Heung-min even changed his social media profile picture, utilizing every method to relish the joy.
His colleagues rushed to see Son Heung-min's Instagram. Jed Spence, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Dane Scarlett all praised him with comments like "Our legend" and "Long live the captain." It was a scene that clearly showcased Son Heung-min's overwhelming popularity within the team.
Meanwhile, after the match, UEFA announced that they had officially selected vice-captain Cristian Romero as the POTM of this match. Romero, who started at center back, played full-time and recorded a pass success rate of 93% (14/15), 100% success rate for long passes (2/2), one successful tackle, one block, eight clearances, and six successful ball duels, demonstrating outstanding defensive skills.
UEFA reported, "Cristian Romero of Tottenham, who wore the captain's armband in the final, was honored as 'POTM,' adding another distinction to his name." Interestingly, Romero dedicated the victory to Son Heung-min after the match, stating, "Son Heung-min is truly a wonderful person. He had two opportunities to lift a trophy but missed them. But he finally did it. In South America, there’s a saying, 'The third time’s the charm.' And Son Heung-min made it happen."
Romero expressed, "Honestly, I am so happy. I am really happy, especially that Son Heung-min could lift the champion trophy. Son Heung-min is such a wonderful person. I maintain a very good relationship with him. I am satisfied that he lifted the trophy."
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